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Home: Video University Forums: Digital Photography for Videographers:
3 Months vs 14 years

Scott Brooks
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Mar 4, 2006, 5:03 PM

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3 Months vs 14 years	Can't Post

It took me 15 years (currently on year 16) to book my first $3000 wedding video job. And I have to say that it felt pretty darned good to do it ... particularly in my area. Even at $1900 I'm still much more expensive than this area's photographers.

Last year I made the decision to start looking into photography. I picked up a couple of Canon 20Ds, lens, flash and diffusers and started practicing.

I just basically worked as a second shooter in a non-paid position ... attempting to learn the craft. Even though I will probably end up as this person's competition, he allowed me to work with him as well as use my photos in advertising on my website as well as producing a couple of demo albums. I owe him.

In Janurary I changed my emphasis to photography, although I still do video. I hit three small bridal shows and changed my ad on WeDJ to photography.

A couple just left the house after booking a $3000 photography package. So here it is the first of March and my first year in business and I've already hit the "magic" number in my area.

This is cool for a couple of reasons. First of all, I asked them HOW they found me. They didn't go to any bridal shows. They simply found me over the internet and by the way she described it ... I believe it was through WeDJ. If so, then that's the second wedding I've booked because of the ad.

Then I asked WHY they booked me. They had three reasons.

#1 - They liked the style. While they have to make mom happy with some formals they are more interested in a photojournalistic approach to the wedding. In fact, the bride hates cameras. She's very excited that she won't be bombarded with me asking her to pose and smile all day long.

#2 - I had everything they wanted included in a package. An engement session was included but they didn't need that, so we just swapped that out for an additional two hours of coverage.

#3 - They liked the price. Since this is my first year I'm not as high as I would like to be. The funny thing is ... I'm already higher than the majority of others in my area. In fact ... I'm already working on a 2007 price list because the calls are starting to come in. I don't want to be booking them at 2006 rates.

Anyway ... after putting this decision off for many years, I'm glad I finally just sucked it up and went with it.

rodovideo
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Mar 4, 2006, 6:40 PM

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Re: [Sparky] 3 Months vs 14 years [In reply to]	Can't Post

Best of Luck Sparky,
That is great to hear that you've got a Photographer not afraid of teaching a very likely competitor... Most people are very territorial and the idea of "another" person taking a piece of their action is very scary for them usually. I am also trying to slowly get into photography so I can fill in the gaps... I've got a photographer friend back in Florida who gives me pointers and answers my questions....

Look toward the Son, and you will not see the shadows

sample images from RODO PHOTO

Rodo Media BLOG

Scott Brooks
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Mar 4, 2006, 7:02 PM

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Re: [rodovideo] 3 Months vs 14 years [In reply to]	Can't Post

You're right ... how many of us would do that? While I will be a competitor, we do not live in each other's town. Mine is about 20,000 with 10,000 being college students. I have to work in a one hour radius to actually make this work.

He lives about 20 minutes north of here in a town of about 5,000. He does a lot in Champaign-Urbana and goes to many of the same shows that I do ... plus a couple more. He's also willing to travel a lot farther than myself.

On the positive side for him, he now has someone that he can call if he needs another shooter or someone to help out in a jam. The only thing I'm not willing to do is book a wedding with him very far in advance. I don't want to lose out on weddings that I could be booking for myself.

So far I'm enjoying myself, although I know that I still have a lot to learn. Some of that will be in the field and the rest will be developing a good work flow in the office.

Scott

Brackish
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Mar 4, 2006, 8:57 PM

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WLR
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Mar 4, 2006, 9:46 PM

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Re: [Sparky] 3 Months vs 14 years [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I just basically worked as a second shooter in a non-paid position ... attempting to learn the craft. Even though I will probably end up as this person's competition, he allowed me to work with him as well as use my photos in advertising on my website as well as producing a couple of demo albums. I owe him.
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Yes you do, and I think he should be considered more of an ally rather than "the competition" since they have taught you much of what they know. I still shoot with and for my photographic mentor and he would do the same for me, it's just that kind of relationship, and between us we are offering a video service as well, even if we arent the ones doing the job.

Friends don't let friends shoot jpeg.

Scott Brooks
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Mar 4, 2006, 11:37 PM

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Re: [Brackish] 3 Months vs 14 years [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Did you ask them if they were interested in video?

Also, do you think it is enough (to book) for them to look at your online
photo samples (as is the case sometimes with video clients)? Or
do photo clients need to sit down and look at an album?

Do you think photo clients are more interested in
meeting the photog before signing, as compared to
video where a lot of the clients don't even care whether they
meet first or not?

Actually I did ask them if they were going to have video at their wedding. Now, I couldn't help them with it if I tried because my wife and my brother will both be shooting video at a show choir camp that is an annual job for me. Still, I was curious so I asked.

Both of them immediately said no. First of all the bride hates cameras ... period. Yet she does understand the importance of getting the stills. Second ... there just wasn't enough money in their budget. Sound familiar???

Regarding the importance of stills ... Apparently this family has recently lost a couple of relatives. The first thing she said to me while discussing the formals was that a group photo of the family was extremely important to her mother. When you think about it about the only time a family comes together is for a funeral or a wedding. They have to take advantage of the limited opportunities they have.

This couple booked me sight un-seen. They filled out the contract leaving the package blank and sent me the retainer. The only reason they met with me today was to make sure they liked the album I carry. (I only have one at this time.) I have another wedding that I booked over the internet and I still have never met them. So I would have to say that brides will book photographers just as easily as videographers without meeting.

When doing video I actually meet a very low percentage of my brides in person prior to the wedding day. I have some good friends who would never consider booking a wedding without a personal consultation, but my feeling is that today's brides and grooms are very busy and most of the weddings I do are not even in my own town. The internet has completely changed how business is done.

That's also why I post my prices. I know some like to be able to "sell" people on their style or service, but frankly I prefer to just get it out in the open. If I'm too high then that's fine ... they dont waste my time.

Bottom line ... so far (and it's been a short period of time) couples have hired me the same way with photography as they have with video. Face to face doesn't seem to be that important.

Storm Crow
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Mar 8, 2006, 8:42 AM

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Re: [Sparky] 3 Months vs 14 years [In reply to]	Can't Post

Sparky,

Thats good news and I'm glad to hear it. I too am now offering Photography and have actually been hired for several weddings for this year already without even having any info on my web site about this. All who have seen my pictures so far have said that they think they are as good or better than any photographer that they have seen. For whatever reason several photographers have gotten out of the business around here these last few years. One of them now exclusively sends all calls my way.

My biggest problem right now is that I have no demo album I can actually have them sit down and look at. Instead I've been having to show them loose prints or pictures on my computer which is not the way to do it. I do plan on getting one together as soon as I have the time. If I'm ever down in your area or your up this way I'd be interested in meeting you if your interested.
_________________________________________________

Good Friend, around these hearth stones, speak no evil of any creature.

Warning: Exposure to the Son can prevent burn!
_________________________________________________

Scott Brooks
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Mar 8, 2006, 12:20 PM

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Re: [Storm Crow] 3 Months vs 14 years [In reply to]	Can't Post

Sure ... anytime. I tend to shy away from the larger cities, but if you're ever in the area that would be great. (Maybe Champaign?)

I started looking at what I thought I need to do to make sure that I had all my bases covered for the upcoming season. I still need more CF cards, another flash, additional camera batteries, rechargabel batteries for the flash and a few other goodies.

We've lost a couple of photographers in the area as well, but there's always someone popping up. In this case ... me. I do think we have a bit of advantage coming from a video background, but there's still a lot to learn.

As for sample albums ... when you get ready to do one, most companies will give you a 50% discount on your first one.

Monday I had two more calls. One is coming over on Sat, but sounds like she's ready to book. Another, I met at a show and she had me e-mail a PDF contract and it's supposed to be on the way. With any luck the first year will be a good one.

YoWoViPr
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Mar 10, 2006, 11:51 PM

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Re: [Sparky] 3 Months vs 14 years [In reply to]	Can't Post

Good for you! I'm glad.

How have you changed your sales approach? Is it more "a picture is worth a thousand words?" or do you minimize the value of videography?

Did you get any training in wedding photography? Do you offer any other styles of photography; i.e., silhouette, or fine art?

Scott Brooks
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Mar 11, 2006, 12:01 AM

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Re: [YoWoViPr] 3 Months vs 14 years [In reply to]	Can't Post

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I haven't changed a thing. Because I'm in a small town I do a lot by internet. I simply answer the questions to the best of my ability. They either book me or they don't.

I don't even discuss video and I would never minimize it if I did. Since I prefer not to attempt to do both I just don't mention it. Actually ... I'm so intent on booking the photography that I don't even think about it that much.

Other than working with a well established photographer last year and spending hundreds of hours reading ... I've not had any formal training at all. However, what I got last year was MUCH more training than I ever had in video. Working with video is an excellent training ground (IMO).

As far as other types of photography ... I would like to stick to weddings, high school seniors, and special events like stage performances. I'm not real excited about doing portraits, sports teams, proms, graduations ... anything like that.

Rather than attempt to "do it all" I plan to stick with what I enjoy.